I just finished watching Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and I must say, my favorite part of that movie is the relationship between the mermaid, Syrena, and the missionary, Philip. When he places his shirt on her and carries her, I melt. When she comes back for him and simply wants him to ask for help so she can save him, I melt.
To me, there is just something so beautiful in the simplicity of expression.
In the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice, I absolutely adore the scene where Mr. Darcy helps Elizabeth Bennet into the carriage. The next shot we see is Mr. Darcy flexing his hand at having touched her. I have a tendency to multitask as I watch movies, but there are some scenes that draw me to the television, front and center, each time they come on. This is one of those scenes. Mr. Darcy's gesture is so simple, but speaks volumes about how he is beginning to feel about Elizabeth Bennet.
In the Emma Thompson version of Sense and Sensibility when Kate Winslet's character, Marianne Dashwood, thanks Alan Rickman's character, Colonel Brandon, for saving her when she became caught in a thunderstorm, I tear up. The look on his face is so moving. She has been less than sincere to him in her gratitude before, but this time she means it and he can feel her sincerity. It is so much more touching because he already loves her, body and soul.
The look on Gerard Butler's face in Dear Frankie when Emily Mortimer's character, Lizzie, is explaining why Frankie, her son, is deaf is almost indescribable. Even Emily herself in the extras on the DVD said that the look on Gerard Butler's face brought her to tears as they were filming. And, the kiss their characters share later on in the film is so incredibly perfect, but breathtakingly simple.
In a world where we are becoming oversexed and nothing is left to our imaginations in all avenues of media and literature, I welcome and cherish these quiet expressions of passion and feeling. There is so much more depth when all the intimate and private details are not spelled out for all to see.
I believe it's true what they say, "Sometimes less is more."
Do you have a favorite moment?
I haven't watched any of the movies that you mention, but they are definitely on my to watch list :) I agree, Less is More. One of my favourite moments was when my boyfriend made me a peanut butter and chocolate cheesecake for my birthday as a surprise. It as something so unexpected and took me off guard but put a smile on my face that has pretty much stayed there since. I don't think he had ever baked anything for anyone before, so I knew how meaningful it was <3 I am a new follower via GFC and Networked Blogs. Look forward to reading more of your posts!
ReplyDeleteSarah @ Just Trying to Let it be
http://justtryingtoletitbe.blogspot.ca
Sarah, what a great moment! (Chocolate and peanut butter together made it even more so.) :-) Kudos to your boyfriend. I love those unexpected, sweet occasions. Thanks for sharing. And, thanks for the follow. I'm going to visit you right now. Have a great one! (Definitely check out the movies; totally worth it!!)
DeleteYes. Thank you for saying what needed to be said. Less is Much more when it comes to romance. I agree.... I just read two different novels. One was perfectly subtle and gracious, one was disgusting. The difference? Less was more. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit, Journey. It's always wonderful to find others who share my opinion. I appreciate your comments.
DeleteFor me, It is all about the actions of the characters. The way they look at one another or the way they show how they feel through the things that they do. Even though Twilight wasn't the best movie in my opinion, I couldn't stop watching the way Edward looked at Bella, the fierceness when someone threatened her, his protective nature. There is no sex in the movie at all but yet you are completely sucked into the intensity of their relationship.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I watched your book trailer and it sounds really interesting. Good luck with it and I am definitely putting it on my list of "to reads."
Laura
Thanks for that, Laura. If you get the chance to read THE SCENT OF A SOUL, I hope you enjoy it! And, I know exactly what you mean by character's actions. I couldn't agree with you more! :-)
DeleteI agree!
ReplyDeleteWe've lost sensuality to sexuality and most people are too clueless to realise the loss. My grandfather used to help out a friend at his cinema and he'd take my mom and uncle with him. Why am I mentioning this? Because it was an Indian movie cinema. (Natal, South Africa) Back then the romance scenes in Indian movies took place without any actors even touching. My mom remembers a lot of singing and longing stares. LOL It's still fairly strict today and... it works! There's a scene from a more modern Indian movie that is my ultimate MELT still. The heroine has been caught in the rain, she's covered in rain droplets. The hero stands looking at her, then gently reaches out and wipes a single droplet from her shoulder. aaaaaaaah It's super big time melt.
Western movies? My favourite scene? Oh gosh... My most favourite is Sense and Sensibility. Alan Rickman would just have to look at me thoughtfully and I'd spontaneously combust and when he agonises that his love might die (when she's ill) it gets me every time. *sigh*
Hilarious side note. I took your side bar quiz and got... Marianne Dashwood! ROFL
Well, Michelle, it seems we'd make the perfect movie pair, then, with me as your older sister. :-) Sense and Sensibility is such a favorite for me. I love the Emma Thompson version as well as the BBC version. You can never argue with a classic!
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